Around 30 sites will try the system, designed to end the heartbreak of famiies being separated, from Monday.
The lateral flow and PCR tests may be rolled out nationwide as mass testing becomes more widespread, Downing Street officials said.
The Prime Minister’s spokesman added: “Our priority is protecting care home staff and residents but we do know just how important it is to let residents safely meet their loved ones.”
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme yesterday: “We’ll be looking to see how [the tests] perform.
“It’s heartbreaking not being able to see your loved ones…but we must not get into a position where coronavirus takes root in the care homes – we’ve all seen how that works out,” he added.
